"Then please don't bother me for an answer," she said, and, with all
her lightness, he realized that she had a will of her own. His only
consolation was that, if her word could be accepted, she had not given
her heart to Mark or any one else. Whether she was to be believed or
not, however, his infatuation remained unaffected. He had reached a
condition in which he longed for possession upon any terms whatsoever,
but since it was obvious that she did not intend to pledge herself this
morning, there was no help for it! He must be as little discontented
as possible to leave the question open for the present.

"Well, then," he suggested, "if I manage to bottle up my feelings for a
week or so, will you try to think favourably of me in the meantime?"

"Why, yes, of course I will," she answered. "But it must be distinctly
understood. I am as free as the wind! I have not promised anything."

Beyond this she could not be prevailed upon to go, but before he left
Golfney Place, she gratified him by consenting to keep the
dressing-bag. She thanked him, indeed, very charmingly; so that,
notwithstanding his rebuff, Colonel Faversham left the house
disappointed, it is true, but even more her slave than ever.




CHAPTER IX

MARK RETURNS